Lloyd Whitty has had a life-long passion for music. With more than 20 years of experience as a professional musician who has traveled the world, he brings a wealth of engaging stories to share as a KJZZ Jazz Host.

Whitty is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, where he got his musical start. He attended a performing arts high school there before attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a clarinet performance major.

After graduation, Whitty auditioned as a musician for the United States Navy and made the cut, which led him on an amazing musical adventure around the globe, playing clarinet and saxophone. His Navy career took him to more than 25 countries and he has played for four U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and numerous heads of state. He is very proud of his service as a U.S. ambassador.

Whitty spent his last tour of duty in Japan and stayed there after retirement for nine years. His love of Japan, familial ties and deep connection to Asian culture has led him to return to college to pursue a degree in Asian Studies. Whitty’s 7-year-old daughter, Chisako, still lives in Japan.

Whitty decided to move back to the states and Arizona in 2012 with his wife Donna. He spends most of his time now teaching private clarinet and saxophone lessons and playing in a couple of local big bands: the Upper East Side Big Band and the Superstition Jazz Orchestra.

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